What is the difference between eTA and visa for Israel? An ETA-IL (25 NIS, 24-72 hours online) is a digital pre-approval for visa-exempt travellers; the B/2 visa (in-person, weeks) is a formal consular permit for visa-required nationals. UK passport holders need the ETA-IL (managed by PIBA, multiple entries, 2 years) to enter Israel in 2026, separate from the UK ETA required for Britain. Editorial note: this is an independent explainer published by a tourist information portal, not a government website. Always verify entry requirements on the PIBA application portal.
Published: 2 September 2026. Last verified: 9 September 2026. Sources: PIBA ETA-IL portal; UK FCDO travel advice for Israel (updated September 2026); IATA Timatic. The ETA-IL requirement was introduced under the Entry into Israel Law, implemented by PIBA regulations effective 1 January 2025.
Who Needs What – Israel Entry Rules for UK Travellers in 2026
Israel made the ETA-IL mandatory for all visa-exempt travellers from 1 January 2025; UK passport holders must obtain one before departure. The Electronic Travel Authorization is managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), processed in 24-72 hours for 25 NIS (approximately £5.50). UK citizens qualify because the United Kingdom appears on Israel’s visa-exempt countries list. The UK FCDO confirms that British citizens do not need a consular tourist visa for visits of up to 90 days but must hold an ETA-IL before departure.
The ETA-IL lets you reach the border; the B/2 visa requires an embassy visit and weeks of processing. UK travellers apply via the PIBA portal: israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-eta-il-1. This is separate from the UK ETA, which applies when entering Britain.
eTA-IL vs Traditional B/2 Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS and processes in 24-72 hours online; a B/2 visa requires an embassy visit and typically several weeks.
| Parameter | ETA-IL | Traditional B/2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including UK) | Nationals of visa-required countries |
| Cost | 25 NIS per applicant (approximately £5.50); non-refundable | Varies by consulate; contact nearest Israeli mission |
| Application method | 100% online via PIBA portal | In-person at embassy or consulate |
| Documents required | Valid passport + email address + credit card | Form, photos, bank statements, itinerary, accommodation proof, return ticket, employment proof or invitation letter |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours | Typically several weeks; contact consulate for timelines |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expires | Varies (single or multiple entry) |
| Permitted stay | 90 days per visit | 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Multiple entries within validity period | Single or multiple (depends on visa type) |
| Passport handling | Digital only; passport not surrendered | Passport surrendered for physical visa sticker |
| Entry guarantee | No; border control officer decides | Stronger legal footing but still not absolute |
| Reapplication triggers | New passport, name, gender, or citizenship change (25 NIS each) | New application required for changed circumstances |
| Payment method | Online credit card | Varies by consulate (bank transfer, postal order, cash desk) |
Per PIBA, the ETA-IL “only allows you to reach the border-crossing into Israel, but does not grant you permission to enter or reside in Israel.” A border control officer retains final authority for both documents.
How to Apply for an ETA-IL and a B/2 Visa from the UK
The ETA-IL lets UK travellers apply entirely online via the PIBA portal, while a B/2 visa requires an in-person embassy appointment with extensive supporting documents.
Visit the PIBA application portal
Complete the form at israel-entry.piba.gov.il in one session (30-minute timeout, no save option).
Prepare your documents
Have a valid passport (minimum 90 days validity from date of entry), an email address, and a credit card. Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted.
Pay the 25 NIS fee
Pay by credit card (non-refundable after submission). Correct errors only before submitting; afterwards you must start a new form and pay again.
Receive confirmation by email
Confirmation arrives within 24-72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel. Applications are individual only.
For a B/2 visa: schedule an in-person appointment
Book an appointment at an Israeli embassy or consulate. Submit an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, a return ticket, and employment proof or an invitation letter. Your passport is surrendered for a physical visa sticker. Fee and timeline vary by consulate.
The ETA-IL exempts Israeli citizens, holders of valid A1-A5/B1/B3/B4 visas, diplomats, crew members, and US military with CAC. An eVisa-B2 pilot running since 25 June 2025 is currently limited to Sri Lankan passport holders residing in Sri Lanka.
Is an eTA Better Than a Visa for Israel?
- Faster processing (24-72 hours)
- Lower cost (25 NIS, approximately £5.50)
- Fully online, no embassy visit required
- No passport surrender
- Does not guarantee entry; border control officer decides
- No stronger legal footing (unlike B/2 visa)
- No formal appeal process if refused
- Must reapply and pay again if passport or personal details change
Choose the ETA-IL for tourism, business, or short-term study (up to 90 days) if visa-exempt; choose the B/2 visa for visa-required nationals, stays exceeding 90 days, or long-term study. Volunteering on a kibbutz or archaeological dig may require a B/4 visa instead.
For land border crossings from Jordan or Egypt, contact PIBA at [email protected] (English only) before travel. To extend a stay beyond 90 days, apply through PIBA before the 90-day period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an eTA and a visa for Israel?
An ETA-IL is a digital pre-approval for visa-exempt travellers visiting Israel, processed online in 24-72 hours for 25 NIS. A B/2 tourist visa is a formal consular entry permit for visa-required nationals, requiring an embassy visit and several weeks of processing. Neither guarantees entry.
Do UK citizens need an eTA to travel to Israel?
Yes. UK passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL before departure for Israel. This is separate from the UK ETA, which is required when entering the United Kingdom. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS and is applied for online via the PIBA portal.
How much does an ETA-IL for Israel cost?
The processing fee is 25 NIS per applicant (approximately £5.50 or $7), paid online by credit card during the application. The fee is non-refundable after submission. If you need to reapply due to a data error or a new passport, you must pay the 25 NIS fee again.
How long is an ETA-IL valid?
An ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit permits a stay of up to 90 days. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period.
Can my ETA-IL application be refused?
Yes. PIBA may deny or revoke an ETA-IL for immigration or security reasons. No formal appeal process has been published. Travellers whose ETA-IL is refused may alternatively apply for a B/2 tourist visa at a consulate. Contact PIBA at [email protected] for assistance.
Can minors travel to Israel with an ETA-IL?
Yes, but each child requires a separate ETA-IL application at 25 NIS per child, submitted by an adult. The adult must indicate at the start of the form that they are completing it on behalf of someone else. Complete family applications sequentially to avoid the 30-minute session timeout.
What happens if I change my passport after getting an ETA-IL?
You must reapply and pay a new 25 NIS fee. The same applies if you change your name, gender, or country of citizenship. The ETA-IL is linked to the specific passport data provided at the time of application.
Does an ETA-IL guarantee entry into Israel?
No. The ETA-IL only allows you to reach the border crossing into Israel. A border control officer retains the legal authority to determine whether entry is authorised, even with a valid ETA-IL.
Can I use an ETA-IL at land border crossings?
ETA-IL pre-approval is generally accepted at land crossings from Jordan (including the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge and Jordan River crossing) and Egypt (Taba crossing). However, PIBA provides limited specific guidance. Contact the ETA-IL Help Center at [email protected] before overland travel to confirm current requirements.
Is an ETA the same as a visa?
No. An electronic travel authorisation is a pre-screening tool for visa-exempt travellers. It is faster, cheaper, and fully digital. A standard tourist visa (B/2) is a formal immigration document issued by a consulate, requiring an in-person application and more extensive documentation.
Key Takeaways for UK Travellers
UK passport holders need the ETA-IL, not a B/2 visa. Apply at least 72 hours before departure via the PIBA portal. The ETA-IL fee is 25 NIS per applicant. PIBA Help Center: [email protected] or +972-2-535-9740 (24/7, English only). PIBA address: 42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, Israel. Immigration rules can change; always verify with PIBA before travel.
